With ample maintenance, your air conditioner can last 15 years or greater. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be removed at some point.
When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Alliance, we know that cost tops your list of questions. The bright side is that installing a new air conditioner may be more affordable than you think it is, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get better energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over time through less expensive electrical bills.
Here’s what to anticipate when you’re replacing your air conditioner.
When to Replace Your Air Conditioner
Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner may be difficult. Here’s what our professionals suggest.
Replace
- Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some might run longer, most air conditioners work for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We recommend prepping for air conditioning replacement around the 10-year mark. Even if you get a new one when it’s only a decade old, the U.S. Department of Energy says this change could save you 20-40% on cooling costs.
- You’ve neglected regular maintenance for too long. Much like a car, you cooling system requires annual air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this critical service can cause lower efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a decreased life span.
- Your air conditioner needs frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the result of skipping service. But as your air conditioner gets old, it’s more likely to have a catastrophic problem. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, it’s time to get a new one.
- Your home feels unpleasant. If your home feels too muggy or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in given rooms, your air conditioner might be having difficulty keeping up. This is a hint it’s time to replace it.
- Your energy bills are costly. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it becomes older. Consequently, it might need to work more repeatedly or longer to keep your house at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your house comfortable and electrical expenses down.
- Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a decent chance it runs on Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced due to its damaging effects on the environment. You can carry on with using your air conditioner, but if it were to experience a refrigerant leak, fixing that would be extraordinarly expensive. This is due to the fact R-22 is only available in limited, recycled portions.
Repair
- Your air conditioner is no more than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s wisest to repair it.
- Repairs aren’t needed all the time or inexpensive. The smartest way to prevent unanticipated repairs is to have routine service scheduled. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
- Your air conditioner is under warranty. Most air conditioners include a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that usually covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is up to your manufacturer, but it offers valuable protection in the event of a big failure. If your air conditioner is under warranty, we recommend fixing it.
Air Conditioner Cost
Many homeowners spend around $4,631 on a new air conditioner, per national averages compiled by HomeGuide. Air conditioner cost averages often range from $3,350 to $5,912, but your total cost could be different.
There are a couple of aspects that influence your total cost, including:
- The air conditioner model you choose, because more energy-efficient ones are more expensive.
- The size your space needs.
- If you need to install new ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is aging or separated.
We offer free estimates at Jack's Heating, Cooling, Stoves & Fireplaces so you can be sure you’re getting a good deal. And with our wide range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that works with just about any budget.
Air Conditioner Size
Air conditioner size is crucial. A system that’s too little will have difficulty keeping your home cool. And one that’s too big might turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This act can increase your energy bill and wear your air conditioner out faster. This may also lead to temperature inconsistencies and make your home feel less comfy.
At Jack's Heating, Cooling, Stoves & Fireplaces, our technicians have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The ideal size depends on how big your home is, along with a couple other factors. Some of the most typical sizes include:
- 2 ton, which cools up to 1,000 square feet
- 3 ton, which cools up to 1,600 square feet
- 4 ton, which cools up to 1,900 square feet
- 5 ton, which cools more than 2,000 square feet
Other factors that can influence air conditioner size are:
- The temperatures in Alliance
- Ductwork quality and age
- How many windows your home has and the style, because expansive or picture windows can be less efficient
- If your house gets more sun or shade
- Insulation quality and concentration
- How many people live in your home
SEER Ratings
Your air conditioner’s efficiency is impacted by its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This rating measures how efficiently it transforms electricity to create cooling. The greater the ranking, the more efficient the air conditioner is.
When you’re buying a new air conditioner, it’s crucial to be aware:
- Older air conditioners are ranked around 8-9 SEER.
- New air conditioners start at 13 SEER. Ones installed in the southwest and southeast must be a minimum of 14 SEER due to U.S. Department of Energy regulations. As of 2017, these SEER rating requirements have saved homeowners trillions of dollars.
- ENERGY STAR®-certified air conditioners begin at 14.5 SEER.
- Higher SEER-rated air conditioners come with additional features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at full blast continuously, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds customized for your cooling needs. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is usually more expensive, it may be eligible for extra rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime might help it pay for itself.
Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Jack's Heating, Cooling, Stoves & Fireplaces Right Away
When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as essential as the model you select. Jack's Heating, Cooling, Stoves & Fireplaces is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Alliance. From helping you choose the ideal solution for your house to going over financing options to professional installation, collaborating with us is a breeze. Reach us at 308-321-4703 to start now!